About the Book
Protect yourself from identity theft! Nearly 17 million Americans were victimized by identity theft in 2012 alone: for 13 straight years, it has been America's #1 consumer crime. No one is immune: children, the elderly and even the dead have been victimized. Identity theft can be high-tech, low-tech, or even no tech, via "dumpster diving." You're vulnerable, and you need to act.
Fortunately, you can take practical steps to safeguard your identity right now. In Identity Theft Alert, award-winning author and attorney Steve Weisman shows you exactly what to do, and how to do it. Equally important, he also tells you what to stop doing: the common, inadvertent behaviors that could be setting you up as a victim.
Weisman starts with a clear-eyed assessment of the problem, helping you understand just how much risk you face. Next, he helps you understand, anticipate, and prevent all these frightening forms of identity theft:
Identity theft via Facebook and other social media
Identity theft via your iPhone or Android smartphone
Theft of your credit or debit cards, and other access to your finances
Crime sprees performed in your name
Medical identity theft that could lead to you getting the wrong treatment – and could even kill you
The fast-growing scourge of income tax identity theft, including stolen refunds
Don't be the next victim: read this book, follow its step-by-step advice, and protect yourself!
Table of Contents:
Introduction xvi
Chapter 1: Identity Theft 1
Chapter 2: Making Yourself Less Vulnerable to Identity Theft 23
Chapter 3: Danger on Your Computer and What to Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft 39
Chapter 4: Your Social Security Number--An Identity Thief’s Lucky Number 55
Chapter 5: Criminal Identity Theft, Taxes--And More Arresting Problems 65
Chapter 6: Protecting Your Privacy--A Key to Preventing Identity Theft 81
Chapter 7: Security Software 87
Chapter 8: The Dangers of Data Breaches 91
Chapter 9: Identity Theft After Death 105
Chapter 10: Identity Theft from Children 109
Chapter 11: Identity Theft Risks of Smartphones and Other Mobile Devices 115
Chapter 12: Identity Theft Threats with Credit Cards and Debit Cards 129
Chapter 13: Medical Identity Theft 139
Chapter 14: Identity Theft and Social Media 145
Chapter 15: Steve’s Rules 155
Chapter 16: Steve’s Top Ten Lists 161
Index 165
About the Author :
Steve Weisman hosts the radio show A Touch of Grey, syndicated to 50+ stations nationwide, including AM 970 (NY) and KRLA (LA). A senior lecturer at Bentley University, he is a lawyer and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is also the legal editor of Talkers Magazine and a commentator on scams and identity theft for television station ABC 40 in Springfield, Massachusetts. He writes for publications ranging from the Boston Globe to Playboy and earned an ABA Certificate of Merit for excellence in legal journalism. His books include The Truth About Avoiding Scams, featured on Dr. Phil and CNN. Weisman holds a J.D. degree from Boston College Law School. He also operates the website www.scamicide.com, which provides the latest information on scams and identity theft.
Review :
“Identity theft is everyone’s opponent, but just like in basketball, the harder you prepare, the better your chances of winning. Steve Weisman shows you what you need to do in order to protect you and your family from identity theft.”
--John Calipari, head basketball coach, University of Kentucky
“There are people out there determined to wreck your life by stealing your identity. Nobody better prepares you to fight back than Steve Weisman. His new book, Identity Theft Alert, is why Steve’s the guy I always turn to on this topic, on my 500 radio stations coast to coast. Steve should be the defensive coordinator of your identity, as well.”
--Jim Bohannon, nationally syndicated talk host, Dial Global Radio Networks
“Scammers, hackers, and thieves of all stripes should consider themselves warned. Steve Weisman is on to you and has armed the American people with knowledge, the most powerful tool of all. Comprehensive in scope, urgent in tone, Identity Theft Alert is a must-read for anyone concerned about identity theft...and that should be all of us.”
--Stan Rosenberg, Massachusetts State senator
“Identity theft has become the number one property crime in America today, and it can disrupt your life tremendously. What you don’t know about identity theft can hurt you, but fortunately in this brilliant book Steve Weisman, a leading expert on identity theft, provides you with the tools you need to protect your identity.”
--Thom Hartmann, nationally and internationally syndicated radio and television talk show host; author of four New York Times bestsellers
“Steve’s strength is staying ahead of the latest threats. Through his many guest appearances, he has provided my viewers with the information they need to prevent identify theft before it occurs. His new book puts his valuable knowledge all in one place and is a comprehensive plan for protecting yourself against identify theft.”
--Mike Nikitas, news and business anchor, NECN (New England Cable News)
“Steve Weisman’s latest book, Identity Theft Alert, is essential reading for anybody who has a credit card, a credit history, a bank account; owns a phone; uses the Internet; or earns money for a living. Steve offers a sobering look at how scam artists operate. More importantly, the book offers practical advice on how best to protect yourself from these dangerous threats.”
--Mike Baxendale, co-host of the Bax & O’Brien Show, WAQY, Springfield, Massachusetts
“It seems like every day, there’s a new story about identity theft grabbing headlines. As a frequent guest of our morning show, I’m always impressed by how quickly Steve learns about these scams and their intricacies. He consistently delivers practical, easy-to-digest advice about how to prevent falling victim. Whether we’re shopping with a credit card or surfing the Web, we expose so much personal information on a daily basis, making Identity Theft Alert a must-read.”
--Emily Volz, anchor, WGGB-TV, Springfield, Massachusetts
“Steve Weisman’s knowledge of scammers and thieves in unmatchable. As a regular on our morning newscast, he has brought our viewers critical and timely information that has been invaluable in protecting them. His latest book is a must-read in this increasingly vulnerable world!”
--Tom Lewis, anchor, WGGB-TV, Springfield, Massachusetts
“Identity theft is one of the largest growing areas of crime, and in today’s digital world it gets more difficult to know if we are safe. Thank goodness we have Steven Weisman to help us in this easy and fun-to-read guide.”
--Alan Colmes, Fox News
